Aboriginal Engagement Framework

A crucial part of our community’s success is ensuring the voices of all people of the Clarence Valley are heard equally.

In October 2022 a new Aboriginal Engagement Framework was adopted, outlining how the Council will seek to strengthen relationships with our First Nations communities and provide direct access to discuss issues of concern.

THE NEW FRAMEWORK INVOLVES:

 Establishment of annual Aboriginal community round table meetings in Yamba, Maclean and Grafton;

 The four Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALC) and the Traditional Owners Corporations in our LGA will be invited to meet with the Mayor and Councillors twice a year;

 Twice-yearly meetings with the Baryulgil/Malabugilmah (Jana Ngalee) LALC.

This new framework is a change from the former structure of the Clarence Valley Aboriginal Consultative Committee (CVACC). It reflects feedback received by the Mayor and the organisation during community engagement sessions held with our First Nations communities earlier in the year.

The engagement will also provide feedback for the final development of Clarence Valley Council’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

PICTURED: Cultural designs have been incorporated into CVC’s new staff uniforms.

ACTIONS ACHIEVED IN 2022

 Recognition of significant dates

 Observing cultural protocols

 Celebrating National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week

 Creating the Three Mobs, One River design that features in our email sign off and on staff uniforms

Kahlua Charlton was one of five local First Nations artists whose artworks were projected onto the Sunshine Sugar building in South Grafton during the Jacaranda Festival as part of the Building Bridges project

CELEBRATING KAHLUA’S SUCCESS

Kahlua Charlton, a proud Yaegl woman, is celebrating ten years working at Clarence Valley libraries with a new job – head of the Home Library Service.

In her new role, Kahlua is working with a dedicated team of Home Library volunteers to select, process and deliver library items to isolated library members in the community who can’t make it into a library.

“I like working with our great bunch of volunteers and helping the elderly to match up their preferences with the wide collection from our libraries,” Kahlua said.

Kahlua’s promotion opens up her previous identified Library Support Assistant position to another First Nations person; something Kahlua is excited about.

“It will be good to work with and mentor a First Nations person,” Kahlua said. “Plus, it’s good for our community.

“When a First Nations person comes into the library, it makes them feel more comfortable, seeing another First Nations face, and gives them more confidence to be able to approach staff and ask for help.”

We asked Kahlua what she loves most about working at the library.

“It’s rewarding knowing you’re helping people get the information they’re after. The library is not just about books. We are an information service. You have to be in the know about everything and willing to learn more and stay up to date with technological advances.”

Kahlua has always lived on Yaegl Country. She loves sports including touch football and netball. She’s a prolific artist, creating cultural art, craft and jewellery pieces.

PICTURED: Kahlua Charlton.

It’s rewarding knowing you’re helping people get the information they’re after. The library is not just about books. We are an information service. You have to be in the know about everything and willing to learn more and stay up to date with technological advances

KAHLUA CHARLTON